Catalonia (1536-37) ducat Fr-36a

This specimen was lot 30616 in Heritage sale 3040 (Chicago, April 2015), where it sold for $1,145.63. The catalog description[1] noted, "Charles I (Emperor Charles V) gold Escudo (Ducat) ND (1536-37) AU Details (Scratches) NGC, Barcelona mint, Struck for the 1536-37 expedition to Tunisia, this rare type is difficult in any grade. Despite a number of reverse scratches, all of the major devices are clear as well as the legend, making this an ideal candidate for the type collector." Spain was not usually an issuer of ducats but this seems to be an exception.